2021 MINI Countryman 2.0L Petrol · AV71 LWD

With a faultless pass at the most recent assessment on 11 November 2025, this five-year-old MINI Countryman presents a clean and reassuring roadworthiness record, its prior test on 11 November 2024 also concluded without a single advisory or failure. Two straight passes with zero defects recorded is about as strong a baseline as a buyer could hope for on a vehicle of this age, indicating that braking performance, lighting, suspension condition, tyre condition, exhaust integrity, and emissions have all met the prescribed standards at the time of inspection. While the absence of advisories is encouraging, it is worth remembering that an MOT only certifies compliance at a single moment in time, so a thorough physical inspection and test drive remain essential before purchase. A recorded odometer reading of 24,771 miles against a 2021 registration equates to roughly 4,954 miles annually, which sits well below the typical mileage for a Countryman of this age. This lower accumulation could simply reflect light commuter use or a predominantly second-car role, and it does mean that mechanical wear items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch components are unlikely to have sustained heavy use. However, low-mileage examples often experience long stationary periods, which can bring their own concerns such as stale brake fluid, dry-rotted rubber components, and dried-out underbody sealant. The relatively even gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests suggests the vehicle has remained in regular use and on the road during that interval, which is a positive indicator against prolonged standing. Given that the MOT history is exceptionally clean, buyer-side due diligence should concentrate on confirming the ongoing condition of components that tend to deteriorate gradually on the Countryman platform rather than waiting for them to be flagged at test. Pay particular attention to the multi-link rear suspension, as worn trailing arm bushes, perished thrust arms, and degraded anti-roll bar drop links are recognised weaknesses on this generation of MINI; listen for clonking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces and check for uneven rear tyre wear which often points to geometry issues arising from worn bushes. The front MacPherson strut assemblies should also be inspected for worn top mount bearings, which typically present as a creak or rattle when turning the steering at low speed. On the test drive, verify brake feel carefully, watching for any pulling to one side under firm application which could indicate a binding caliper or a stuck slider, particularly given the low mileage which can allow corrosion to seize caliper pistons that have not been exercised frequently. The steering should remain precise and self-centring without vagueness through the straight-ahead position, and any knocking from the front under braking or over bumps warrants closer inspection of the front suspension arms and anti-roll bar links. Finally, inspect all four tyres for even tread depth across the full width, as inner shoulder wear on the front pair can betray misaligned geometry, and examine the underside and wheel arch liners for any corrosion beginning to form on suspension and subframe mounting points, since the absence of MOT advisories today does not guarantee the same clean result twelve months down the line.